2016 Medal of Honor Recipients
In recognition for extraordinary acts of valor and heroism, the Idaho Law Enforcement, Firefighting and EMS Medal of Honor is awarded to law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs who have been distinguished by exceptionally meritorious conduct, assuring that the sacrifices of these professionals are recognized and their bravery honored by the state whose citizens they protect.
In 2016, five individuals were recognized for their valor and heroism. In May, three law enforcement officers were awarded the Idaho Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the Idaho Peace Officer’s Memorial. In September, two firefighters received the Idaho Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the Idaho Fallen Firefighters Memorial:
Firefighter Sean Allen
Idaho Falls Fire Department
On September 28, 2015, at approximately 12:05 a.m. in Idaho Falls, emergency service personnel responded to an incident with a vehicle overturned in a canal. The vehicle was almost completely submerged with a man trapped inside. Firefighter/Paramedic Sean Allen arrived on the scene with other firefighters to assist the sheriff’s deputies already present. Read more >>>
Sergeant Jared Hurt
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office
On September 28, 2015, at approximately 12:05 a.m. in Idaho Falls, emergency service personnel responded to an incident with a vehicle overturned in a canal. The vehicle was almost completely submerged with a man trapped inside. Patrol Sergeant Jared Hurt was first on the scene. He immediately jumped into the canal, with water 3½ feet deep, and attempted to break a window, but was unable, due to the pressure from the water. Read more >>>
Deputy Korey Payne
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office
On September 28, 2015, at approximately 12:05 a.m. in Idaho Falls, emergency service personnel responded to an incident involving a vehicle overturned in a canal. The vehicle was almost completely submerged, with a man trapped inside. Upon arrival at the scene, Patrol Deputy Korey Payne immediately jumped into the water, which was 3½ feet deep, to assist in rescuing the victim. Read more >>>
Deputy Christopher Rix
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office
On September 28, 2015, at approximately 12:05 a.m. in Idaho Falls, emergency service personnel responded to an incident involving a vehicle overturned in a canal. The vehicle was almost completely submerged, with a man trapped inside. Upon arrival at the scene, Patrol Deputy Christopher Rix immediately jumped into the water, which was 3½ feet deep, to assist in rescuing the victim. Read more >>>
Lieutenant John Ward
Kootenai County Fire & Rescue and Idaho Fire Service
On April 13, 2015, at approximately 5:30 in the evening, Lieutenant John Ward discovered his neighbor’s home on fire in Rathdrum. Off duty at the time, he immediately radioed for the fire department and then ran to assist. He found almost all the residents of the home had made it to safety, but learned that a wheelchair-bound woman was still inside the home. Read more >>>